At the almost certain risk of sounding cliche, this upcoming election is undoubtedly one of the most important of our lifetimes. Yet, the Democratic establishment seems content to rely on the same cut-and-dry style of politics and campaigning, one of platitudes and shifting policy, that has consistently yielded mediocre results.
Whether this comes from some misplaced perception that this elevates them to a higher level because they play by a nonexistent rule book of political ethics, or if they truly believe this is an effective way to operate as a party, it’s a failure on their behalf.
To be clear, barring any large political scandal or shakeup, it’s extremely likely that Biden will not only beat Trump but do so by a large margin (in the recent Project 538 average of polls, accounting for sample size, recency and quality, Biden holds a 10.3 point lead over Trump).
However, this lead isn’t necessarily because Biden’s platform holds certain planks or policies that Americans are invigorated by and excited to vote for, rather it’s a direct result of Trump’s high unfavorability and failure to successfully manage the coronavirus crisis.
Democrats have the moral and logical advantage on almost every issue, and have higher popular support among the electorate than Republicans. According to Pew Research, since 1972 more Americans have identified as Democrats than Republicans. Let me say that again, clearly. In the past 48 years, those identifying as Republicans have not once surpassed the number of those that identify as Democrats.
So why aren’t Democrats then the solidly dominant party of America? One could blame a variety of sub reasons, such as gerrymandering, obstacles to voting, temporary surges in conservatism (as seen with the tea party), etc. However, none of these on their own are enough of an explanation. Simply put, it’s the Democrats’ own indecisiveness about who they are trying to appeal to and what exactly it is they stand for.
This dates back as far as the 1960’s, perfectly encapsulated when Malcolm X described Democratic liberals as ”sly foxes” and Republican conservatives as ”howling wolves.” in the 1964 election between Democratic Lyndon B Johnson and Republcian Barry Goldwater (who voted against the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as a senator).
Malcolm elaborated on what he meant, stating that when locked in a cage with the two, he would keep his eye on the former, the so-called fox. From this he meant that at least Republicans are generally forthright with what they promote, regardless of how detrimental such policies may be. They want to reduce taxes on the wealthy, advocate for smaller government and essentially promote traditionalism with strong evangelist themes and influences.
Alternatively, the Democratic party has continually shifted positions and is predominantly the party of corporate interests masked with socially progressive platitudes. Sure, they’ve been known as the party to raise taxes and provide welfare, but outside of that, their focus has shifted repeatedly. Perhaps most notably, Democrats continually take money from large corporations, most despicably Big Pharma, which raises its profits directly from the suffering and sickness of the American people.
And the results are more than clear. When in 2017 Senator Bernie Sanders proposed to import insulin, which is necessary for many diabetics to survive, from Canada at a lower cost to undercut the American pharmaceutical companies that sell the necessary drug at ludicrously high rates, it was Democrat Cory Booker who voted against the plan (along with 12 other Democrat senators). And guess who he received donations from?
That’s right, the very pharmaceutical companies he had just secured the profits for. In 2016 he received over $50,000 from the industry, and his home state of New Jersey is home to several major pharmaceutical companies, who have consistently held cozy relationships with New Jersey representatives.
What is so frustrating is that the measure would have passed if there had been no Democrat defections, and at the time, polling data showed the provision had an overwhelming 72 percent support among Americans. But it’s precisely because of the fractured views of the party and corporate interests that it is beholden to that such impactful progress is continually abated, so that profit margins can continue to rise at the expense of American lives.
The above demonstrates the Democrats’ long history of failing the American people when it matters most, and they show no signs of stopping. Their failure to promote a concise direction of the party was demonstrated yet again at the Democratic National Convention, and continues to be a pattern with this campaign.
To begin, inviting John Kasich to speak was perhaps one of, if not the worst, single possible moves that could’ve been made. This is the same Kasich who, as the Governor of Ohio, worked to severely restrict abortion, defunded public schools and until recently was “uncertain of the cause” of climate change – the antithesis of the modern liberal. How can such a figure possibly be someone who the Democratic party of 2020 willingly aligned with?
The Democratic history of contempt for their left wing is blatant, while half heartedly trying to secure their votes. Nothing exemplified this more than giving Alexandrio Occasio Cortez, widely regarded to be the future head of the left wing and a youth icon, just one minute of speaking time at the national convention. Yet they were more than willing to give far more time to speakers who have traditionally been political enemies of the party.
This weak appeasement to the left while simultaneously trying to court the more centrist and right wing independents is simply not feasible. These are conflicting ideologies that do not align, and in their efforts to do so, the Democratic party lacks a clarity of vision, and signals to leftists that their support is all but taken for granted.
What’s unfortunate is that this ineffective strategy is not new, rather a continuation of the established party tradition. Simply put, it’s not working. While this election is likely to be a positive one for the Democrats, it’s probable the Republicans will experience a similar resurgence under a Biden presidency.
By picking a lane and sticking to that message, Democrats can create a consistent and strong coalition of voters who will deliver them the White House and congressional majority in both houses, especially as demographics of swing states continue to shift in their favor, for years to come.
Unfortunately for them, they seem both destined and determined to repeat history by losing the support they spend so much time, effort, and capital to garner with their indecisiveness and apparent lack of direction.
Photo courtesy of DonkeyHotey/Flickr
